chouette: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary (when referring to the bird). Informal, French (when used as exclamation).
Quick answer
What does “chouette” mean?
an owl, especially a medium-sized owl.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an owl, especially a medium-sized owl.
An interjection or informal adjective in French, meaning 'cool' or 'great'. In English, it is primarily the noun for the bird.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The word is equally rare in both varieties, used primarily in ornithological or literary contexts.
Connotations
Evokes a slightly literary, European, or scientific tone when used in English. The French slang connotation is only present in contexts where French language/culture is the topic.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency word in general English. More likely found in specialized texts or as a loanword from French in specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chouette” in a Sentence
The [adjective] chouette [verb]...A chouette of [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chouette” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A as verb in English.
American English
- N/A as verb in English.
adverb
British English
- N/A as adverb in English.
American English
- N/A as adverb in English.
adjective
British English
- He picked up the French phrase and gave a 'chouette' thumbs-up. (contextual, quoting French)
American English
- She described the Parisian café as totally chouette. (contextual, using French slang)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, ornithology papers discussing European owl species.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by birdwatchers, in travel stories about France, or in cultural discussions.
Technical
Used as a precise taxonomic/common name for specific owl species (e.g., 'Eurasian Tawny Owl, *Strix aluco*').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chouette”
- Mispronouncing it as 'chow-ette' (it's 'shoo-ET').
- Using it in general conversation instead of the common word 'owl'.
- Assuming an English speaker will understand the French slang meaning 'cool'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. The common English word is 'owl'. 'Chouette' is used in specific ornithological or French cultural contexts.
Not in standard English. That meaning is specific to French slang. In an English text, it would only have that meaning if the topic is French language or if a character is speaking French.
It is pronounced 'shoo-ET' (/ʃuːˈɛt/ in British English, /ʃuˈɛt/ in American English). The 'ch' is pronounced like 'sh' in 'shoe'.
In English, 'chouette' refers specifically to 'true owls' of the genus *Strix* (like the tawny or spotted owl). 'Owl' is the general term for all birds in the order Strigiformes. In everyday language, they are often used interchangeably when referring to these specific birds.
an owl, especially a medium-sized owl.
Chouette is usually formal/literary (when referring to the bird). informal, french (when used as exclamation). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “C'est chouette! (French idiom meaning 'That's great!')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A SHOE-ETTE is a fancy little shoe; a CHOUETTE is a fancy French word for an owl.'
Conceptual Metaphor
WISDOM / MYSTERY (like owl), FRENCH-NESS / SOPHISTICATION (due to its origin).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chouette' MOST likely to be used in English?